Being the biggest Dutch, Belkin was hoping to use its numerical superiority to win the Dutch road race championships. However, a big crash thwarted their plans and so a fifth place for Theo Bos was the end result.

The Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM ended “disappointed and helpless” yesterday in the Dutch National Championships in Ootmarsum, where Theo Bos managed fifth place behind solo winner Sebastian Langeveld (Garmin-Sharp).

“We had a nice plan. We wanted to ride an attacking race,” said Sports Director Merijn Zeeman. “We managed to get in the break with Tom Leezer, Nick van der Lijke and Maarten Tjallingii. We were confident that they could finish it off. Garmin-Sharp needed to dig deep to reel in the attackers.

A crash blocked the road and brought down Wilco Kelderman and Dennis van Winden, and isolated Lars Boom.

“Riders in his group started to attack and we were unable to respond. We went from being in a situation with a numerical advantage to an uncontrollable situation. We lost the race with that crash.”
 

Maarten Tjallingii was one of the strongest riders in the race on Sunday, but didn’t have luck on his side. He was part of an early break and was leading the race until very late. When a small group joined, he attacked several times, but his efforts were fruitless.

“I had several lives today, but it was not enough,” Tjallingii said. “When Sebastian attacked, I was just reeled in and I couldn’t counter. He chose the right moment. If the first group had survived, I would have had a good chance for the title.

“I felt really good today, but my rivals sensed that as well and that always makes it difficult. As they realise it, they are going to try to use you. However, Sebastian is a class rider, otherwise you don’t become national champion.”
 

Theo Bos sprinted to a fifth place thanks to Robert Gesink’s help.

“I punctured with four laps to go, but thanks to Robert I was able to make it back to the peloton.

“I needed to focus on the sprint today. If it came down to a sprint, I needed to be ready. I gave my all. I was really suffering and felt cramps coming on.

“I have to be satisfied. The Ster ZLM Toer didn’t go well at all and I had low expectations for today. My legs didn’t feel good during the first hundred kilometres, but they got better and better.”